(CNN) - Republican Rep. John Campbell of California announced Thursday he will not seek re-election next year in the state's 45th Congressional District.

The five-term congressman, who served in the California state legislature before coming to Capitol Hill, said it was time to start a "new chapter."
"At the end of this term, I will have spent 14 years serving in full-time, elected politics. I am not nor did I ever intend to be a career politician," he said in a statement. "I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life."

Campbell, whose family has strong ties to Southern California, ran for Congress in a 2005 special election to fill the seat vacated by then-Rep. Christopher Cox, who was tapped by President George W. Bush to head the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Previously, Campbell served in the state assembly for four years and the state senate for one year.

In his statement, he said his conservative values have "not waned."

"But in the future, I will continue the fight for more freedom and a less authoritarian government as a private citizen rather than elected official," he added.

His statement ended with a line he has often used: "Drive fast and live free."

With a mostly conservative record in the House, he easily won re-election last year with 58% of the vote.

soundoff(16 Responses)

Data Driven

Another dependably reactionary nitwit from up the highway from me in the OC. One if those guys who does nothing but except come up with cute sigs like "Drive Fast and Live Free", the first part of which is not such a bright idea on the deadly freeways of SoCal.

He's probably about to face ethics violation charges, or something. Or, more likely, a handsome payday job as a lobbyist. These guys never leave without the enticement of juice.

Good, get rid of all the GOP conservative garbage of America and I've our country forward instead. Of backwards with the GOP barons party. In charge of the house!!!!!

June 27, 2013 08:12 pm at 8:12 pm |

polischticks

Just another revolving door, from public service to lobbying, I'm sure.

June 27, 2013 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |

ThinkAgain

"But in the future, I will continue the fight for more freedom and a less authoritarian government as a private citizen rather than elected official," he added.

Code for I've got a bunch of speaking engagements lined up/I'm in negotiations with Fox.

June 27, 2013 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |

ThinkAgain

"Drive fast and live free."

Spoken like a truly self-centered person ...

June 27, 2013 08:34 pm at 8:34 pm |

Get Real

1 down 536 left to GO!!!!

June 27, 2013 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |

Thomas

His statement ended with a line he has often used: "Drive fast and live free."

God save the Queen !

June 27, 2013 09:39 pm at 9:39 pm |

NEF

He probably didn't want to be part of the worst congress ever or part of the nimrods that don't serve the American people. Hope the next chapter is wonderful and we welcome you back to SoCal and the OC!

June 27, 2013 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |

just me

Translation: i've gotten a job as a lobbyist and i'm going to rake in the really big bucks

June 27, 2013 10:50 pm at 10:50 pm |

Cephas

That's what leadership is all about knowing when to quit thanks John Campbell for adhering with the ethos of leadership. You are a true leader and thanks for your excellent services.

June 28, 2013 12:03 am at 12:03 am |

Michael Benjamin

Glad to see him go and hope he is not replaced by another Republican.

June 28, 2013 12:05 am at 12:05 am |

Bubba

Next election; a large group of GOP lawmakers are going to announce their retirement. Right after they lose to anyone not associated with the Tea Party nor GOP. The GOP have have a big drunk fest abusing the power they were given, and now the bill is coming due.
America is waking up, which does not fare well for the GOP.

Would be 14 years as a Congressman & not a career politician.....that calls for another view for 'Career'. Nothing said on his achievements so far than his Conservative Belief. How does he just the tax-payers money rained on him these past 14years.

June 28, 2013 03:22 am at 3:22 am |

Hey

i bet this has nothing to do with obamacare what so ever.

June 28, 2013 04:12 am at 4:12 am |

Marie MD

Another one down. Maybe he can take the 49th district's car thief/illegal gun owner with him. He has been very quiet lately and must not be feeling the love he thought he was getting as all these "scandals" crumble around him.
Too bad..